Pegylated interferon alfa-2B (also known as peginterferon alfa-2b or PEGIntron) is a drug approved for treating hepatitis C. It also inhibits the growth of the blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread, and is therefore being evaluated as an anticancer drug. It is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously).

In this Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium study, researchers are assessing the safety and effectiveness of peginterferon alfa-2b in children with a type of brain tumor called craniopharyngioma which has continued to grow despite prior surgery or radiation therapy and cannot be removed with additional surgery. Doctors are trying to find treatments for these patients other than more radiation, since radiation can cause long-term side effects such as impairment of learning and metabolism.

To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:

This study is open to patients age 18 months to 25 years.

Patients must have craniopharyngioma that has returned or continued to grow after previously being removed surgically OR after treatment with radiation therapy. Patients should have recovered from the serious side effects of prior therapies.

Patients’ tumors must be inoperable.

Patients may not have previously received peginterferon alfa-2b.

For more information about this study and to inquire about eligibility, please contact Dr. Yasmin Khakoo at 212-639-2153.

Clinical Trials

As a patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering, your child may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Information learned through clinical trials has helped significantly raise the overall cure rate for pediatric cancers.